oh, the memories

Imagine the smallest town you've ever been to. Mine was New Holland, South Dakota -- population 11 (although rumor has it that was not really the name of the town. But the population was definitely 11). That's where I was when I found out I was going to SIJ! And the school we played in got a big grant to get a new building -- a building big enough that the Northwestern College Symphonic Band does not take up half of their gymnasium.


RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS ASSIST DAKOTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CONSTRUCT NEW SCHOOL BUILDING
Improved Efficiencies With New Structure

(New Holland, South Dakota – September 13, 2005) USDA Rural Development State Director Lynn D. Jensen today delivered a ceremonial check to the Dakota Christian High School representing a community facility direct loan in the amount of $700,000 and a community facility guaranteed loan in the amount of $700,000 to assist in the construction of a new K-12 school building.
 
Jensen said, “This project will provide increased efficiencies for the Douglas County communities and enhance educational opportunities for the students who utilize the facility.  In addition, the students, faculty and staff will be in an environment that is more conductive to learning.” 
 
This project consists of a new 47,636 square foot, 200-student, K-12 school to be located on 20 acres in rural Douglas County.  The main purpose of this project is to improve efficiencies by consolidating the existing private elementary schools in Platte and New Holland and the high school in New Holland.  The existing facilities are aged and in need of major repairs.  This new facility will feature a library, music room, art room, computer room, regulation size gymnasium, weight room, full service kitchen, as well as state of the art classrooms.    
 
“Dakota Christian School is delighted to have USDA Rural Development come along with a financial loan for the construction of a new K-12 school.  We are enthused to have this building in process already – no doubt due to USDA’s assistance,” said Ivan Groothuis, Chief Executive Officer for Dakota Christian School. 
 
USDA Rural Development Area Director Les Boehmer and Rural Development Specialist Linda Weber also attended the event.  USDA Rural Development has ten offices in the state that assist rural communities.  Office locations include a state office in Huron, along with area offices in Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Sturgis, Watertown, and Yankton.
 
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents.  As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.  Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA’s web site at http://www/rurdev.usda.g